Has anyone changed to HID headlight?

[TonkaH2]

Thanks for working on all this, guys.

I'm going to be doing some long-distance offroading, and so will want as much light as possible. I'm planning on adding 4 lights up top, and 2 to 4 on the brush guard, in addition to upgrading the stock beams.

I'll post a new thread to discuss other lighting options. I'm calling the new thread: "Best offroad lights, period"

-Jack
Yellow H2 on order
"I think I can make it. D'OH!"

[Klaus]

There may be another possible solution to the headlight upgrade. I sent a few emails to Daniel Stern http://lighting.mbz.org/ and he indicated that the H2 has a standard 7" headlight, and that it is possible to replace the headlight with an E-Code Cibie headlamp, which uses a replaceable H4 bulb.

I bought a set of Cibie E-Codes from him years ago for my Corvette, and it was well worth it. I am seriously considering this upgrade.

Klaus

[DRTYFN]

I'm very curious to hear some feedback from anyone that has swapped out their OEM headlights for HID's.
I've been looking at the set at Breathless and also the system at the Sylvania site.

[JCJ]

Val et al,
I got my replacement bulbs (it's as easy as that) here (in Aruba) at an automotive shop.
They work out perfectly! Cool and blue. Low and high beam. A real improvement both on the day running lights and the head lights.
I cannot tell the difference, but then I haven't seen Breathless HID setup in real life.
And then probably not real xenon gas inside my cheaper bulbs.
Another issue, however, may be if my bulbs are street legal or not.
Something to find out (sooner or later).
I also looked at the set on eBay by the way:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1874037766
The seller claims these are xenon filled.
Good luck.

[MAC]

Aruba, These IceWhite looks nice. It says they are direct replacement, does that mean no special wiring needed, as with other xenon lamps? You just put them in as you would replace a bulb? Judging by what I read there, it $60 each bulb, but must buy 4? $240 or $60 total? Very very nice. Thanks for showing them to us.

[MAC]

But you paid $30 for set of 4, does it consisted 2 for head lamps and 2 for DRL? It may search for them in auto stores, the Kragan chain around here are all in very shape with limited inventory and salespeople don't know much. Some of these HID bulbs are "street legal", which means others are not legal, that is not a main point but taken into consideration, I assume the stree legal ones are less bright?
Thanks for bring them to our attention, I did not know such economical and effective solution existed. Exactly what I wanted.

[LNP]

I spoke directly with Chris at Fet-usa who told me that there was a problem with the vehicle that Ernie at Breathless tried to install the HID system on. Chris said that he has AT LEAST 150 systems installed on H2s by various people. I think that anyone who is serious about this should call Catz ( fet-usa.com ) and speak to them about their system

[MAC]

I just ordered the Xenon bulbs online, will let you know how they work out. For the DRL, I ordered amber(yellow) LED bulbs, have no idea what they are, no risk no gain.

[JCJ]

Thanks Scott T.!
So what you say is I can take out the stock head lamp lenses and replace them just like that with the Sylvania Xenarc® HID X6024 Sealed Beam Kit?
What about the Day Running Lights?
Would you know with which Sylvania lens kit I could replace those DRL's?
JCJ

[DRTYFN]

How am I supposed to take it any easier than I already am? I merely pointed out that when I first called breathless I was told (by their phone monkey)that the $590 HID kit had high and low beams. Then someone says that it only has one setting- low beam. Then ernie tells me that I should know that beacause I must have talked to him. Sorry E, I spoke with a female.
I don't know about you, but I don't like it when I'm told one thing and then find out it's not true. I'm sure that the motorized lights are a major step up in dinero. In my book that's called bait and switch. Now don't get yourselves all in a tizzy rushing to defend breathless because I'm not attacking them. I'm just stating the facts. That is what this forum is about, right?

[JCJ]

MAC. Been studying the HID thing a little closer:
1. The kit ($ 60 total) includes all 4 bulbs (2 headlights, low and high beam, and 2 DRL bulbs, they call 'm fog lights).
2. The big difference between this $ 60 set and the more expensive HID lights is the "Color temperature" you get. The cheaper set gets to 5500 K ("Ice White"). The more expensive sets (like the one from Breathless, I guess and the other one on eBay) has even a higher Color Temperature (in the 8000 Kelvin).
3. I chose to try out a deal the local automotive shop offered me: similar "cheap" set of all 4 front white (Xenon) lights for $ 30 (total!). And I tell you the white intense light it gives you is phenominal! I don't know if I could see a difference between 5500 K color temp or 8000 K.
4. And it's just replacement bulbs. No balasts or other extra wiring needed.
5. I would suggest to pass by your local automotive supply store and check out the lighting section for those blue/ice/white bulbs and bring the original bulbs for comparance (# 9007).
6. Of course I would like to hear suggestions of corrections from those more up to date on the HID subject.
You're welcome. JCJ

[DRTYFN]

Ernie,
Sorry you lead such a sheltered life that you've never heard of the term "phone monkey". I've got friends that work for major corporations (Nike, Oracle, ect) in customer service, business development, and order taking and they ALL refer to themselves as phone monkeys. So please go grow another layer or two of skin because the one you've got is too thin to be out in the real world. I bet you're gonna tell us you don't know any cuss words either. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]

[DRTYFN]

What's that you say? NO HIGH BEAMS?!!!! See!!!! I told you that those guys at breathless are full of it!! Ernie gets on here and gives me the riot act because I simply said that his phone monkey had told me that there were no high beams. And now that one of us has finally installed the HID's from breathless and given all of JAson's children a definitive answer that NO there are NO HIGHBEAMS I would just like to say to Ernie- TTTTHHHHHHHHHPPPPPPPTTTT!!!!!!(rasberry) [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]

[Happy Hummer]

I told you guys a few weeks ago that the HID upgrade would loose the high beams. On DARK back roads I just flip on the brush lights. I never use them any other time because these HID's are BRIGHT. I think Ernie did a GREAT job on this "Plug N Play" install.

I have already told Ernie to send me his 2B performance kit ASAP [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img].

Ernie keep up the good work. I LOVE MY HID's. With or without the high beams [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img].

ROB [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

2003 Hummer H2, Black Lux. Pkg, Breathless HID lights and Stage 2B engine kit, Mazzi Maximus 18" chrome wheels and BFG 35X12.50 18 KM Mud Terrain Tires, Alpine DVD Navigation System
2002 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
2003 Honda Odyssey EX
2003 Harley V-Rod 2 Tone Anniversary Edition

[BEST 4x4xFAR]

Hello All,

I see these HID discussions in many forums, and thought I'd offer an Opinion, FWIW. The Replacement "Xenon" and "HID" bulbs are nothing more than the same bulb that came from the factory, but with a blue tint to the Glass Globe to change the color of the light they produce. In the process they decrease light output, and by creating blue light cause glare problems in rain, fog, snow etc. I hate to see anyone spend their money on these gimmicks.

As mentioned, there are companies that sell true HID conversions, but they have two drawbacks. One you loose your high beams, and two they are at best a compromise, as the original headlamp reflector assembly was not designed for them. Headlamps require the light source to be at a very exact position to perform as designed, and the filament in a standard bulb, and the arc in a true HID Capsule are of different lengths, and therefore cannot be positioned properly.

For those of you that Want to Replace your H2’s Headlamps with a truly engineered HID Solution, one that includes High Beams, you are in luck. Sylvania is producing a 7” Round Sealed beam replacement system that uses a True HID low Beam and a Halogen H1 high Beam, all in a 7” headlamp designed for both. Consider yourselves lucky that the H2 has a standard 7” Round headlamp, as it opens up many options for improved lighting, including a true HID Solution. Check it Out…

Sylvania True HID Conversions

Scott T.
’95 D-90 (JEEPETR)
’96 Discovery

[buddy]

4000 HID's are all you'll ever need on the darkest back road. I've used them for over 3 years and still can't believe how much light they put out. Good choice, but expensive. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Buddy

[MAC]

I followed Dr. Aruba's suggestion and changed to Xenon HID 9007 bulbs, without changing to HID system. They are a snap to change. The visibility is better, the head light changed from yellow to white with a blue tint, The improvement is small but noticeable, but worth the very low cost ($25). Of course I later found out you can buy the same bulbs even cheaper ($10) on eBay.

I went with DOT street legal 55 bulbs, the result should be even better with 80/100 power Xenon HID 9007 bulbs, maybe I will buy a new 80/100 pair and try them out, price so low anyway. Full HID system lights are annoyingly blinding to me when I am on the receiving end, consequently I don't want to do that to the others.

I have not change the 3157 DRL bulbs, , but I am interested in changing DRL to a different color just for the look. They cost $5 to $20 on eBay. I see there are green, blue, red available. Anyone tried them yet?

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&query=bulb+90 07&cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&ht=1&f rom=R10&currdisp=2&itemtimedisp=1&st=2&SortPropert y=MetaEndSort&BasicSearch=

[MAC]

9007 (HB5) XENON Platinum 2-Bulb Set
New DOT compliant 2-bulb set producing a "brilliantly white" beam of light.
Featuring new lavender colored glass envelope and an exotic mixture of Halogen/Xenon/Krypton gases for excellent output with a color temperature of 3800K! Since this bulb is DOT compliant, it is considered 100% street legal!
#DOT-9007XPP2...$24.95
http://www.demandmotorsports.com/MM006.ASP?pageno=32

For DRL replacement Xenon gas charged 3157 Dual filament wedge bulb. Designed to match your HID or Xenon type headlight bulbs. Natural blue color. $8.95 each.
http://www.demandmotorsports.com/MM004.ASP?pageno=43

For DRL replacement bulb, there are LED bulbs @ $9.95 each. In red, amber (yellow) colors.
http://www.demandmotorsports.com/MM003.ASP?pageno=61

[dr p]

did you mean to say h3 high beam?

[BreathlessPerformance.com]

Phone Monkey??? Did I speak to you or who did you talk to? That is the first time we have been called that. Our staff goes out of the way to try to help our customers, if you feel that they did not help you please let me know who it was.

The HID kit for the H2 has only the Low beam. We can get you a Low & High but your light output would not be brighter and you would have to worry about a electric motor inside the bulb kit burning out.

Thank You, Ernie
BreathlessPerformance.com